2009 Peugeot 206: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Peugeot 206s, from 482 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 482 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 Peugeot 206s than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Steering rack inner joints9.9× usualPeugeot 20624.7% All 2009 cars2.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Engine oil leaks3× usualPeugeot 20631.3% All 2009 cars10.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Exhaust system2.1× usualPeugeot 20618% All 2009 cars8.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Steering rack7.3× usualPeugeot 2067.3% All 2009 cars1%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 0.5% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usualPeugeot 20612.2% All 2009 cars5.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
By area
The share of 2009 Peugeot 206 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension53% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics40% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks34% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Tyres34% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Steering27% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Brakes24% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 997 | Suspension 49% |
| 2007 | 2,184 | Suspension 44% |
| 2006 | 5,011 | Suspension 48% |
| 2005 | 6,657 | Suspension 50% |
| 2004 | 7,049 | Suspension 48% |
| 2003 | 4,901 | Suspension 46% |
| 2002 | 3,631 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 2001 | 2,231 | Suspension 50% |
| 2000 | 856 | Suspension 48% |
| 1999 | 389 | Suspension 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Peugeot 206s registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score